DIMAPUR: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), led by its president and Lok Sabha MP S. Supongmeren Jamir, staged a protest at the Election Secretariat, Kohima, on September 25 as part of the nationwide agitation called by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Addressing the gathering, Supongmeren expressed serious concern over the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He stressed that the right to vote was one of the most fundamental democratic rights of every citizen and said no institution entrusted with safeguarding the electoral process should act in a manner that creates doubt about its independence, transparency or impartiality.
NPCC raised concern over reports of objections within the Commission regarding decisions connected with the revision of electoral rolls. The party maintained that such serious questions cannot be brushed aside and must be answered transparently before the people.
Supongmeren reiterated that the ECI, being a constitutional institution, must function independently and impartially in accordance with the Constitution, without fear or favour. He emphasised that citizens’ confidence in the electoral system was indispensable to the survival of democracy.
Joining the nationwide call of the Congress, NPCC demanded the resignation or removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and appropriate legal action following an independent investigation into the allegations surrounding electoral roll decisions made during his tenure. The party also called for a comprehensive and independent review of the electoral roll changes.
NPCC further stated that allegations, which the Congress has characterised as an attack on voting rights and as acts amounting to “treason against the people of India,” must be investigated in accordance with law, with accountability fixed on those found responsible.
“The vote belongs to the people. No individual, authority or institution has the right to undermine the mandate of the people. We will continue to stand in defence of the Constitution, democracy and the voting rights of every citizen,” Supongmeren said while addressing the protest.
The NPCC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding free and fair elections and vowed to continue raising its voice whenever constitutional and electoral rights of the people are at stake.
